What you need to know about Alabama driver's licenses
An Alabama driver's license is issued by the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) and serves as your legal proof that you can operate a motor vehicle in the state. You need one before you drive on public roads, and it must be renewed every four or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold. The process differs slightly depending on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged card.
Alabama offers three main types of driver's licenses: a regular Class D license for standard passenger vehicles, a commercial Class A, B, or C license if you operate trucks or buses for work, and a motorcycle endorsement if you ride motorcycles. Each type has its own testing and documentation requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an Alabama DPS Driver License Examiner's Office in person; there is no online option for initial issuance or renewal.
- A regular Class D license costs $28.50 and is valid for four years if you're under 65, or eight years if you're 65 or older.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to explore.
- If you're renewing by mail, you can do so only if your license is not expired and you meet specific age and status requirements.
- A written test, vision screening, and road test are required for a first-time license; renewals typically skip the road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
Getting your first Alabama driver's license
To obtain your first Class D driver's license in Alabama, you must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring your original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a state ID card as proof of identity. You'll also need two documents showing your current Alabama address—a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.
You must also provide your Social Security number. If you don't have one, you can use an ITIN, which you'll need to document with a letter from the IRS. The DPS will verify your information against state and federal records, so accuracy matters. Bring the originals; photocopies are not accepted for identity documents.
Once you've submitted your paperwork, you'll take a written test covering Alabama traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening, and complete a road test with a DPS examiner. The written test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The road test evaluates your ability to operate the vehicle safely in real traffic. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you may have to pay the testing fee again depending on the examiner's office.
Renewing your Alabama driver's license
If your license is still valid and you meet Alabama's requirements, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. You're may be able to access for mail renewal if you're between 19 and 64 years old, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have no medical restrictions on your license. You cannot renew by mail if you need to update your photograph, change your address, or add an endorsement.
To renew by mail, complete the DL-43 form (process for Driver License Renewal), include a check or money order for $28.50, and mail both to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you need to renew in person—because your address has changed, you want a new photo, or you don't meet the mail renewal criteria—visit any Driver License Examiner's Office with your current license and proof of your new address if applicable.
If you're 65 or older, your license is valid for eight years instead of four. You still renew the same way, but the fee remains $28.50 regardless of the longer validity period.
What happens if your license expires or is suspended
Driving with an expired Alabama license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may be required to retake the written and road tests rather than straightforward renewing. Contact your local Driver License Examiner's Office to confirm what you'll need to do.
If your license is suspended or revoked—usually due to unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points—you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The DPS will notify you by mail of the reason and length of the suspension. You must wait out the suspension period, then visit an office in person to reinstate your license. Reinstatement fees vary depending on the reason for suspension and can range from $25 to several hundred dollars. You may also be required to pass the written and road tests again.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any Driver License Examiner's Office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is $28.50, the same as a renewal. You'll receive a new card with a new license number and a new expiration date based on your age at the time of replacement.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local law enforcement, though it's not required to replace it with the DPS. A stolen license number can be used fraudulently, so reporting it creates an official record. The DPS will flag your old license number as invalid once you've replaced it.
Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office locations and hours
Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama DPS website. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices close for lunch, and a few offer limited Saturday hours. It's wise to call ahead or check online before visiting, as some offices have walk-in limits or require appointments during busy periods.
Wait times vary significantly by location and time of day. Urban offices tend to be busier than rural ones. If you're taking a road test, plan for at least 30 minutes to an hour at the office. If you're only renewing in person or replacing a lost license, you may be done in 15 to 20 minutes if the office is not crowded.
Costs and what to bring
A Class D driver's license costs $28.50 and is valid for four years (or eight years if you're 65 or older). A commercial license costs more and has additional requirements. A motorcycle endorsement adds $5 to your license fee. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order at offices; some offices may accept card payments, so call ahead to confirm.
Bring originals of all identity and residency documents. Photocopies, faxes, and digital images are not accepted. If you're renewing by mail, include a check or money order made payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Keep a copy of your process for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license online?
No. Alabama does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements, or you can renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal.
What if I moved to Alabama from another state?
You must obtain an Alabama driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. You'll need to pass the written test and vision screening, but you may be exempt from the road test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have a clean driving record. Contact your local office to confirm what tests you'll need to take.
How long does it take to get a new license after I explore?
If you explore in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, allow two weeks for processing and delivery.
What if I fail the written or road test?
You can retake the test. There is usually a fee each time you test, though some offices waive the fee for when ready retakes on the same day. You must wait at least one day before retaking a failed test at most offices.
Do I need a Real ID-compliant license to fly domestically?
Yes, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport to board a domestic flight. Alabama offers Real ID licenses at no extra cost. When you renew or replace your license, ask for the Real ID version and bring the required documents—your birth certificate, passport, or state ID, plus proof of residency and Social Security number.